Pc blinded by Moat arrested on suspicion of assault

Father-of-two Pc David Rathband, 43, was held by officers on Tuesday over an incident at his home in Northumberland, sources said.

Officers were called to reports of an assault at his address in Cramlington.

A Northumbria Police spokeswoman said: “Officers attended and a 43-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of assault.

“Inquiries are ongoing.”

Mr Rathband, who is married to Kath, has been hailed for his charity work in the wake of the injuries sustained last year.

He set up the Blue Lamp Foundation, offering help to injured members of the emergency services.

The officer, who joined the Northumbria force in 2000, lost vision in both eyes after being shot at close range during the manhunt for Moat, who shot and injured his former partner Sam Stobbart and killed her new boyfriend, Chris Brown.

A spokeswoman for Mr Rathband said: “We have no comment to make regarding this alleged arrest other than no allegations were made or are being made by any person concerning David Rathband’s conduct.

“The family are understandably still coming to terms with the huge impact and changes to their lives as a result of the serious injuries sustained by David whilst on duty and they therefore request that their privacy is respected during this difficult time.”